Electronic Arts has released a new cinematic trailer for its upcoming Monster Hunter-like co-op action game Wild Hearts. The new game from developer Omega Force has its work cut out for itself to prove itself against Monster Hunter, which has grown substantially in popularity following the release of Monster Hunter World in 2018. Few would disagree, however, that there isn't room for improvement and competition in the genre. Wild Hearts has a major opportunity.
Wild Hearts has already gone to great lengths to show how it's different from Monster Hunter, both in terms of style and gameplay. The upcoming game is heavily influenced by Japanese culture, much like Monster Hunter, but instead of Dragon and Dinosaur-inspired monsters, it features elemental-infused animals including porcupines, rats, and boars. Wild Hearts gameplay also features tools named Karakuri, constructions summoned from thin air, in addition to players' chosen weapons. Plus, Wild Hearts has cross-play.
The cinematic trailer for Wild Hearts doesn't stray too far from what's been previously confirmed for the game. It focuses on the unique characters players can create, the Kemono beasts they'll be facing, and the Karakuri tools they have at their disposal. It's all presented in an action-packed and gorgeously rendered way, though. Different Karakuri will be useful against different Kemono in exciting ways, but working together is shown to be players' greatest strength.
There is one surprise to be found for those who have been following Wild Hearts at the end of the trailer, though. The Kemono featured in the cinematic up until the end should all be familiar, showcased in previous gameplay trailers. At the end of the trailer, a new Wild Hearts Kemono reveals itself. It's a humongous bear, seemingly made of rock and the size of a mountain. It's so large, it's difficult to imagine facing while playing Wild Hearts normally.
Monster Hunter has featured similarly-sized foes in the past, including the Dalamadur and Zorah Magdaros. They both had to be battled in a non-traditional way, though. Perhaps the giant bear Kemono will be treated similarly, acting as an epic encounter and challenge for players to overcome in Wild Hearts' story.
At the very least, the new cinematic trailer for Wild Hearts will serve as a bracing reminder that the Monster Hunter-like game releases soon. In fact, those playing Wild Hearts through EA Play, EA Play Pro, or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will be able to start their early access trials next week on February 13. Full launch will follow on February 17, four days later.
Wild Hearts releases on February 17 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.